Compomers are a new class of materials reportedly having the anticariogenicity and the bonding ability to metals similar to glass ionomers while maintaining the high esthetic qualities of composite resins. The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate the shear bond strength and fracture pattern of a compomer (Dyract) to stainless steel crowns (SSCs) using different mechanical and chemical retention procedures for possible future development of a chair-side technique of producing esthetic SSCs. Thirty-two Unitek SSCs, divided into four groups, were mounted in autopolymerizing acrylic resin so that the resulting specimen has the crown's flat lingual surface projecting above and parallel to the top surface of the acrylic resin block. Dyract was placed in transparent nylon cylinders (3 x 3 mm) and bonded to SSC's surfaces directly (group 1) or following sandblasting of the SSCs (group 2). In group 3, Dyract was bonded to stainless steel lingual cleats that were previously spot-welded to the SSCs. In group 4, Dyract was bonded to sandblasted SSC's surfaces using Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus dental adhesive. Specimens were placed in deionized water for 1 hr at 37 degrees C. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The mean (SD) shear bond strengths in MPa for groups 1-4 respectively were as follows: 2.998 (1.381), 9.518 (2.464), 13.909 (1.653), and 9.372 (3.723). One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple range tests revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < 0.00001). While no significant difference was found between groups 2 and 4 in which Dyract-PSA prime/adhesive and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus dental adhesive were used, group 3 had significantly higher shear bond strength than other groups. Stereoscopic and SEM examinations revealed adhesive and mixed bond failures. It is concluded that the bond strength of Dyract to SSCs could be enhanced significantly by applying simple mechanical means of retention that could be available in dental offices.